Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRCotopaxi International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 10,000 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south (170°) at 12 knots. Runway 18/36 is favored with a 12-knot headwind and 2-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is unrestricted. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 10,000 ft.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 10°C (50°F) with a dewpoint of 9°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.
Pilot Recommendations
Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 18/36
Active: 18
|
12,117 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 184° |
↑ 11.8 kt
•
↔ 2.1 kt
10° angle
|
Weather Statistics - SELT
5,153 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Cotopaxi International Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 89.5% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 7.9 knots, with gusts recorded up to 58 knots. Temperatures typically range between -3°C and 22°C with an average of 12.7°C. The best months for VFR flying are March, December, April.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 5,153 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Cotopaxi International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Cotopaxi International Airport
Overview
Cotopaxi International Airport serves Latacunga, Ecuador, situated at a high elevation of 9,205 feet mean sea level. The airport provides critical aviation infrastructure in a mountainous region, supporting medium-scale airport operations with a substantial 12,117-foot asphalt runway.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at Cotopaxi strongly favor visual flight rules, with 90.3% of observations supporting VFR operations. The airport experiences consistent southerly winds averaging 7.3 knots, with occasional strong gusts up to 58 knots. Temperature variations range from -3°C to 22°C, with an average of 12.2°C, creating relatively stable atmospheric conditions.
Notable Features
The airport's high-altitude location at 9,205 feet presents significant performance considerations for aircraft operations. Pilots must account for reduced air density and its impact on aircraft lift and engine performance. The surrounding terrain includes mountainous landscapes typical of Ecuador's central highlands, requiring careful navigation and terrain awareness.
Approach Considerations
Runway 18/36 offers highly favorable wind conditions, with 100% wind alignment and minimal average crosswind of 1.6 knots. December, September, and January represent the best months for VFR flying, providing optimal visibility averaging 10 statute miles. Pilots should anticipate potential wind variability and prepare for high-altitude approach procedures.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at SELT
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.